Osaka criticises Ostapenko over remarks aimed at Townsend

Naomi Osaka has condemned Jelena Ostapenko for telling Taylor Townsend she had “no class” and “no education,” describing it as one of the most offensive remarks possible towards a Black tennis player, Sport360NG reports.

The exchange came after American Townsend defeated Ostapenko 7-5 6-1 in their US Open second-round match on Wednesday. The Latvian, unhappy that Townsend had not apologised after a net cord fell in her favour, confronted her opponent at the net and made the comments.

Townsend later played down any racial intent, saying: “I didn’t take it that way. But historically, that has been a stigma in our community, being labelled uneducated, which is far from reality.”

Ostapenko, the 2017 French Open champion, rejected any suggestion of racism in a statement on Instagram.

Asked about the incident, Osaka said: “It’s awful timing and the absolute worst person she could have said that to. I don’t know if she understands the history of those words in America, but I’m sure she won’t say them again. It was terrible.

“It’s one of the most damaging things you could say to a Black player in a sport that is mostly white. I know Taylor, how smart she is, how hard she’s worked, she’s the furthest thing from uneducated.”

Coco Gauff, the US Open third seed and a vocal advocate against racism, also criticised Ostapenko’s choice of words. “It might have been heat of the moment,” said the 21-year-old. “But it shouldn’t have been said, no matter how frustrated you are. And knowing Taylor, she’s the complete opposite of what was implied.”

Ostapenko was later beaten in the women’s doubles on Thursday but did not attend her media duties, with organisers saying she was unwell.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka revealed she spoke with Ostapenko after the controversy to encourage her to handle such situations better. “She can lose control sometimes,” Sabalenka said. “I just wanted to help her calm down and be someone she could talk to. Looking back, I don’t think she’s proud of how she acted. I hope in the future she handles it differently.”